ABOUT US

Gitxaała territories stretch from the Nass River to Aristazabel Island, on the north coast of what is now British Columbia.

The Gitxaała , also known as Git Lax M’oon, people of the saltwater  are one of the most ancient societies on the coast. The village of Lach Klan (Kitkatla, BC) has been continuously inhabited since time immemorial.

Gitxaała hereditary leaders from the four clans, Gisputwada, Ganhada, Lax’sgiik and Laxgibuu, manage and protect their territories and resources according to their ayaawx, traditional laws. Gitxaała harvesters use almost 100 different marine and terrestrial resources to feed their community. Gitxaała citizens, currently numbering 2094, wherever they reside, celebrate their history, practice their traditions, respect their laws, and cherish their lands, waters and resources.

SUMMARY

The Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve (AHSOR) Program is designed to enhance child development by focusing on early childhood learning for First Nations children from birth to age six and their families.

Reporting to Gitxaala’s AHSOR Manager, the Gitxaala AHSOR Assistant provides support in the delivery of the Gitxaala AHSOR program. The Gitxaala AHSOR Assistant supports the facilitation of the AHSOR program in the Nation while following the best practices of the AHSOR six program components.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES and DUTIES

Relationship Building and Teamwork

• Establish and foster strong working relationships within the Nation, especially with parents, guardians, and children.
• Maintain composure and perspective in difficult situations and in managing conflict.
• Model and follow the policies and procedures of the Nation as well as the AHSOR framework in program delivery.
• Represent the Nation and its interest to stakeholders through professional appearance and courteous behavior.

Client Service and Engagement

• Promote language and culture revitalization at home, school and in the community.
• Handle inquiries and requests for information in a respectful, professional manner.
• Demonstrate and maintain a community-focused approach in program and service design and delivery.
• Incorporate community needs and perspectives in standards and operational procedures.
• Support with facilitation of community engagement and research including engagement sessions with specific groups such as Elders and Parents.
• Develop public engagement and communication materials including publications, newsletters, articles, and presentations.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as necessary in the performance of the position and as assigned by your supervisor. Must confirm the importance of understanding Confidentiality.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as necessary in the performance of the position and as assigned by the Director.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Early Childhood Education Certificate or related experience and education preferred.
• Maintain knowledge of AHSOR best practices, policies, and procedures, including privacy legislation.
• Basic knowledge of food handling regulations.
• Ability to foster positive early childhood interventions, including family and community involvements.
• Understand and promote Gitxaala Nation’s culture, language, and values including the Sm’algyax culture.
• Demonstrate an understanding of and ability to integrate First Nations cultural principles and protocols into service delivery.
• Early Childhood Education Certificate or related experience and education preferred.
• WHMIS and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) are considered an asset.
• Ability to work with vulnerable persons.

RATE

$18.00, part-time @ 20hrs/week

While we recognize the value of diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds in accordance with section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code; candidates of Indigenous background are encouraged to self-identify on their application.

APPLICATION PROCESS

When applying for this position, please forward cover letter, resume, and references to the Human Resources Manager.

DEADLINE

Open until filled.

ATTENTION

Victoria Vickers, Human Resources Manager                                            EMAIL: hr@gitxaalanation.com    

We thank all applicants for their interest, please note that only those short-listed for an interview will be contacted.